Beaches and Backwaters - (6 Days/ 5 Nights)

Kochi - Backwaters - Mararikulam

You will be greeted by your personal tour director at the Chhatrapati Cochin International Airport. A chauffeured vehicle will escort you to your hotel as soon as you have gathered your belongings. Please make sure to relax, and take this opportunity to soak in your first sights, sounds and smells of India. Your tour director will be happy to answer any questions and points of interest along the way.

Once at the hotel, we encourage you to take a comfortable seat, or to explore the lobby while your tour director checks you in. He will then provide the details of your customized itinerary. This is a good time to agree on your next meeting time, confirm your itinerary for the following day, discuss your preferences, and address any other questions or concerns you may have!

Kochi holds a very special place in India’s history. Here, you will be able to see how Kochi’s ports changed the nation’s destiny. The ports in Kerala have been a part of the spice trade from as early as 2000 B.C.E. You will be able to see firsthand how the influx of culture and religion from various parts of the world got woven into the history, culture and everyday life in Kochi.

Kochi rose to prominence in the 14th century, just decades before Vasco Da Gama –the first European explorer to reach India by sea – set off on his first voyage to India. Da Gama’s journey marks the first step in the chain of events that sparked the European colonization of India!

Kochi is also home to India’s earliest Jewish settlement. Aptly, today you will have the opportunity to visit the oldest synagogue in India. As you walk in, the chandeliers will grab your attention, but don’t forget to look at the floor. It is said that each tile laid in the main hall is unique in design. When you leave, venture into the antique shops outside the synagogue, and you may find a souvenir with a story of its own.

The next stop on your city tour is the St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi. Fort Kochi was the very firs European colony in India. Listen closely to your guide as he explains the history of the church, including how the struggle for dominance among the European powers took place thousands of miles away, in Kochi.

Next, you will witness yet another instance of how international trade influenced life in Kochi. Every morning and every evening, fishermen lower Chinese nets to try and catch fresh fish. This technology was brought to India by a Chinese trader in the 14th century, and it has been used by local fishermen ever since! You will have the opportunity to see these fishing nets in action, which makes for a surprisingly captivating experience. At sunset, it is especially breathtaking. Puzzling, right? But the truth is that it is so picturesque, those very fishing nets have come to represent the city of Kochi. Make sure you have your camera ready!

Evening: This evening, you will watch a stunning Kathakali performance, a traditional Keralan dance. It is unlike any other dance form in existence, and any effort to describe it would simply not do it justice.

Ever wanted to make that delicious curry you sampled at the local Indian restaurant? Well, we’ve planned an experience for you to learn just that! We have arranged a private cooking lesson with a local chef, where you will observe how different spices interact with one another to make the delicious food for which this part of India is famous.

Food and spices are vital to India, its culture and its people, and we hope that this experience will make the perfect conclusion to your time in Kochi.

In the evening, you and your tour director will discuss your tour plans for the following day.

After an early breakfast, you will be assisted with your checkout from the resort. Next, you will proceed to your drive to Alleppey, which is approximately 30 minutes away. Upon your arrival, you will be assisted with boarding your luxury houseboat.

Picture this: a lake, lush scenery and palm trees as far as the eye can see. Now, imagine yourself on a hammock, in the water, in your very own luxury houseboat!

As you settle into your private floating villa, your personal chef will cook up delectable meals just for you! And if you love what you’re eating, you can have a private cooking lesson from your chef.

If you think that luxury is all you’ll get from this experience, then you’re in for another sensory surprise! In India, Kerala is known as “God’s own country,” and you’ll find that description quite apt.

The abundant greenery around you is home to a very diverse population of birds. Early in the morning, we encourage you to sit outside and enjoy some casual birdwatching. See if you can spot the bright and colorful kingfishers.

Early Morning: Disembark from your houseboat at Alleppey and relax during the four and a half hour drive to your next destination. Upon your arrival at the beachfront resort, you will be assisted with the check­-in process. You’re at leisure to enjoy the amenities of your resort for the rest of the day.

We know that your life is busy and demanding, and we have found the perfect place for you to relax, unwind and recharge before you return home.

You will have the opportunity to indulge in some early morning yoga with a guru, in addition to sumptuous Ayurvedic massages and afternoon naps on a hammock.

Take advantage of your picturesque location to enjoy a lazy stroll down the endless seashore, where you can watch local fishermen reel in their fresh catch for your next
meal!

Are you a fan of organic food? Do you adore your local farm-­to-­table café back home? Here at the resort, they take it to the next level. Stroll through the organic vegetable garden, pick out your own veggies for supper and then watch the chef prepare them to your liking in an open kitchen! Don’t forget to pay attention while your personal chef reveals the secrets of South Indian cooking, and make sure to savor your finger­licking meal.

Morning: You can either sleep in or enjoy the facilities at your hotel.

Late Morning/Afternoon: You will be assisted with your checkout from the hotel and driven to Kochi.

Option 1: Upon arrival at the airport in Kochi, you will be assisted with boarding your international flight.

Option 2: Upon arrival at Cochin airport, you will be assisted with boarding the late afternoon flight to mumbai. Upon your arrival at the mumbai domestic airport, you will be assisted with a transfer to the international airport to board your flight home. If you have an early ­morning flight, you have the option to book a room at the international airport for an additional fee.

We hope you enjoyed your stay in India, and we wish you a safe flight home!

Included

Number of Nights : 5 nights

Daily breakfast at all your hotels.

All three meals on the Houseboat

Dinner with a local Keralan family including cooking lessons

Traditional dance performances at Kochi

English speaking local guides for the entire trip.

All our Guides are Licensed and approved by the Government of India.

Services of fully air conditioned Luxury SUV throughout your itinerary

Bottled Mineral Water for all your long drives including the city tours.

Round the clock point of contact in India (24 Hours)

Personal assistance with check in and check out at all your Hotels and Airports

All monument entrance fees (single entry) included as per the itinerary

WHY CHOOSE SAFFRON DREAMS

Complete Customization on Private Tours

What does that mean?

Each Private Tour is designed specifically for you. You can add or remove destinations based on your preferences. Are you spiritual? Add Varanasi to your trip. Would like to do tiger safaris instead? Sure! No problem!

Choose how you spend your time in India. We would love to learn your likes and dislikes, interests and preferences. We will try to design an itinerary full of activities that Whether you really want to witness an Indian wedding or you want to renew your vows in India at an ancient Hindu temple, whether you're a real foodie and want to try different restaurants and cuisine or you really want to learn how to make that favorite Indian curry. Tell us! We will make it happen for you.

Complete flexibility on Private Tours

What does that mean?

Never do what you don't want to do. Don't want to spend that extra hour looking at museum exhibits? Don't!

Never miss out on experiences on account of "set-in-stone" itineraries. Want to experience that once-in-a-lifetime sunrise at the Taj Mahal? You got it!

You set the pace of your trip. Want to wake up late during your vacation, no problems. You decide when you start your day.

Trust us for High Quality of Service

What does that mean?

Accommodations -

We only use hotels that adhere to our standard of service. What does that mean? We only use top rated accommodations. Hotels and resorts have to be rated a minimum of 4 stars. Palace hotels, heritage properties, boutique accommodations and home stays also have to meet our high standards on hygiene, cleanliness and service. We only use accommodations that have been experienced by us first hand.

Tour Guides -

We are very selective in choosing our Tour Guides. Not only do they have to have good language skills, and great in-depth knowledge of history and culture but they must be able to adjust to the preferences of each guest and make them feel comfortable. After all, our guests spend days touring India with their accompanying tour guide/director.

To enhance the experience of your trip, all our tours include 1 Accompanying Tour Guide/Director for the entire trip. Why?

So, you have the opportunity to build rapport and feel comfortable with the person who will take care of you while you are in India.

So that they can understand your interests and mold the tour to you. Knowing your likes and dislikes will allow your tour director to take you on hidden experiences along the way - making the trip uniquely yours.

Transportations -

Our vehicles are comfortable, spacious and always top notch. What does that mean? We only use SUVs less than 2 years old. Your comfort comes 1st.

Experiences -

We hand-pick the experiences that we offer to our guests. You only get a sampling of the best that India has to offer.

We're NOT a travel agency

The reason why we're able to offer this degree of flexibility to our guests is because we're not handing you off to another company in India. We have our own offices in India and we attend to every detail of your itinerary ourselves.

What Our Guests Say About Us

Now, in general when I plan trips, I do all my bookings for lodging and sightseeing on my own. I usually don’t like the “you leave at this time, you have 5 minutes here, back on the bus, another 10 min there, etc.” tour schedules. Because you get your own tour director, Shakti, and chauffeur, Ghanshyam, the experience is completely tailored. Yes, there are times to meet, but they are not set in stone. Do you want to stay 5 more minutes? No problem. Do you want to take a picture of that camel? They will turn around and stop to make sure you can take the picture. Or better yet, they will tell you that there is a better place to take that picture and take you there.
Both of them were so knowledgeable, caring and a complete delight
Mr. Miguel and Mrs. Cynthia Herrera-LindströmRead Full Review »

If a trip to India is in your future, call Saffron Dreams. My daughter and I just returned from a 2 week "trip of a lifetime!"
We rode planes, train, cars, rickshaw and elephant and got a very personal and educational tour of India…
I have gone on many group tours around the world, but this personal experience is the way to see India! I cannot say enough good things about this trip and this company. It was a GREAT value for the money.
Ms. Janice & Ms. Amy LentzRead Full Review »

My husband and I took our empty nest dream vacation to India. The planning started with Rachit and his fabulous website honing in on what we wanted to see in our short 8 days in India. The tour guides and drivers were amazing. Sometimes they backed off and let us wander parts of sites on our own, after a pre-introduction, and sometimes…
Mr. Kenneth & Mrs. Joyce BackmanRead Full Review »

On behalf of my family, we would like to thank you for your outstanding efforts in planning an unforgettable trip. Every aspect of our trip, from the selection of the cities, the monument hoping, and the immersion into Indian culture was carefully thought out and well integrated. The level of service, luxury and comfort we experienced made this exotic trip all the more memorable. The built in flexibility of our itinerary was a nice touch. Our large travel party of 12, including people of different ages, backgrounds, and professions all had their own unique impression of India, while still being able to enjoy each other's company.
I can confidently say that this was the first of many trips to India and having a company that is reliable and great at what is does makes it all the more worthwhile.
Jorge Fernandez & FamilyRead Full Review »

I took a trip with Saffron dreams and it was absolutely perfect…I've been recommending Saffron Dreams to all my family and friends because a holiday needs to be stress-free and fantastic, and these guys made it happen for me.
- Natasha KellyRead Full Review »

I have to say your knowledge of India and the time you took to build our itinerary, down to the smallest detail, really made it the perfect trip! It was tailor-made for us and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Sheetal NastaRead Full Review »

I think the fact that Rachit took the time to listen to what my interests were, helped to make this a truly customized tour…I think I speak for all my family members when I say that this was possibly the best arranged and fascinating trip we have taken as a family (and we are very widely travelled).
Mr. Adeni and FamilyRead Full Review »

I have traveled to 97 countries and used several high end companies. Saffron Dreams is up there with the best and at times even better than the best.
Vijay GoradiaRead Full Review »